In recent studies it has been found that during brain imaging research that those that are addicted to drugs like cocaine, heroin and alcohol have fewer dopamine receptors in the brain’s reward channels than those that are non-addicts. Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter that is key to pleasure and desire, an experience most individuals seek…
I’ve seen a consistent theme with clients that present to my office with sexual addiction. This theme is a significant confusion about how they get their needs met. I find that many if not all of them come with beliefs and assumptions due to their addiction and history. These assumptions are in large part due to their…
Codependency has typically been associated or understood to be a dynamic that occurs with individuals that are addicted to substances and their partners or spouses. Today the phenomenon we call codependency can be associated with those that are in fact not using substances of any kind. Mothers and children, husbands and wives, friends and associates…
Anxiety and stress can be pervasive and wear on ones emotions as well as your body. Anxiety can manifest itself in a variety of manners, many of which are somatic, meaning in the body. It creates a chain reaction with symptoms of stomach pain, shakes, sweat, sleep difficulty, and fatigue. Most often anxiety can effectively…
I work with individuals and couples weekly that seek help in my office for relationship challenges. Some arrive due to issues of trust and infidelity while others are seeking answers to issues that stem from their families they grew up in. Most individuals, healthy or not, seem to battle or engage in a phenomenon that…
People are complex individuals with their histories, hopes, and habits. When two individuals come together in any relationship, married or not, they are combining two unique lives to form something complex yet beautiful. The assumptions and beliefs of both of those individuals also come together to influence the relationship. It’s important to honor that with…
I recently heard a client report, “I feel completely betrayed upon my finding out recently about my husband’s affair. Does it even make sense to do counseling if my spouse had an affair, isn’t it over?” Betrayal and broken trust is one of the most difficult obstacles that any couple can face. Usually betrayal presents…
With the holiday season approaching, countless events become abuzz with holiday parties, church and social events, and family dinners typical for the season. These events serve many purposes and when understood more clearly enhance, solidify, and safeguard your relationships and overall emotional health. Rituals are activities that couples and families create that occur on a predictable…
The term identity is one commonly used by developmental psychologists and researchers when referencing an individuals sense of ‘differentness’ or ‘likeness’ with others. Ones identity is often tossed around with terms like ego strength, self-esteem, individuality, etc. Many individuals find that they need to ‘send’ or ‘broadcast’ a given set of values or beliefs in…
There is an old adage in the world of therapy and treatment, the adage is “Secrets Keep You Sick.” While I don’t personally affiliate myself or my thinking with terms like ‘sick’, I do find that secrets in fact keep individuals stuck. Stuck in unhealthy relationships, stuck in unhappiness, and stuck in frustration.I remember working…